Ferrari F40

Introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, Ferrari’s new F40 stunned the industry, as it combined raw-edged, radical styling with state of the art mechanical technology. Without question, driving an F40 is best described as a visceral experience, hammering the senses with its blinding acceleration, quick reflexes and howling exhaust note. The experience is addictive, a powerful narcotic for the soul of a driver. More than anything else, its absolute purity of purpose underlines the experience. Few concessions were made to creature comforts – no radio, no carpets, no power windows, not even door panels. Instead, racing seats with red Nomex covers clarify the point, which is of course, uncompromising performance.

The twin-turbo road-racer weighs just 1,100 kg and is blindingly quick. Several magazines road tested the F40 in the late 1980s, and recorded a zero-to-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds, zero to 160 km/h in 7.8 seconds, and zero to 225 km/h in just 14 seconds. Other independent tests clocked it a couple of tenths quicker to 100 and 160 km/h. Either way, the F40 was the fastest road car ever produced upon its introduction. In fact, over 20 years later, the F40 retains its supercar status and remains in a unique, rarified class with such heavyweights as the later McLaren F1.

This car was auctioned off by RM Auctions in January of 2009 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona.